Babesiosis

Babesiosis is an infection of red blood cells by a parasite called Babesia that is transmitted through the bite of a tick. Patients with babesiosis have an illness with fever, chills, muscle pain, and fatigue. Nearly all of cases of babesiosis have been in the northeastern United States and have been due to a kind of Babesia called Babesia microti. Additionally, six cases of babesiosis have occurred in California since 1993 caused by a different Babesia, called Babesia duncani.

The best way to keep from getting babesiosis, or any other disease from ticks, is to avoid areas where ticks are found. Stay on trails away from tall grasses where ticks may occur. Wear light-colored long pants and long-sleeved shirts when outside. Apply tick repellents to your clothes and skin. Most importantly, if you have been in an area where ticks may occur, thoroughly check your body immediately after returning indoors and promptly remove any ticks you find.